Fast Scenic Drives In Idaho

scenic drives · Prettyroads

Fast Scenic Drives In Idaho

By Prettyroads Editorial Team · Scenic Drives · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

Highway 20: A Scenic Speedway Through the Mountains
Lake Pend Oreille: Speed Along the Shores of Idaho’s Largest Lake
Sawtooth Scenic Byway: Speed Through One of Idaho’s Most Beautiful Mountain Ranges
Highway 95: A Fast Scenic Drive from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Basin
Highway 12: A Fast Scenic Drive Through the Heart of Idaho’s Red Rock Country
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions

There’s something about the rhythm of a fast scenic drive in Idaho that hits just right — the way the mountains rise like old friends greeting you, the way the sun glints off the lakes as you speed along. The feeling that you’re not just traveling, but living. I remember the first time I drove Highway 20 from Boise to Twin Falls, feeling the wind in my hair and the thrill of the open road. It was a 90-minute journey that felt like a lifetime of discovery, all wrapped up in a single stretch of asphalt.^[1]

At a glance · Focus: Fast Scenic Drives In Idaho · Read time: 11 min · Last verified: August 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

Idaho isn’t just about the slow, leisurely pace of a summer afternoon. It’s also about the thrill of speed, the freedom of the open road, and the sheer beauty of the landscape that unfolds in front of you as you drive. Whether you’re chasing a sunrise over the Sawtooth Mountains or racing the sunset along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho has some of the fastest scenic drives in the country that still manage to feel like a dream.

In my experience, the best fast scenic drives in Idaho are those that don’t just look good — they feel good. They’re the ones that make you forget your worries, that make you want to keep driving just to see what comes next. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Idaho’s fast scenic drives are a must-do, and I’ll walk you through why in the paragraphs that follow.

Why You'll Love This ...

Experience Idaho’s most breathtaking vistas in record time.
Discover hidden gems that only fast scenic drives can reveal.
Immerse yourself in the thrill of the open road with minimal travel time.
Enjoy a unique blend of speed, beauty, and adventure.

90 minutes

Drive from Boise to Twin Falls

$12.50

Gas for a 200-mile scenic drive

Car

Passengers

Highway 20: A Scenic Speedway Through the Mountains

As of August 2026, Highway 20 from Boise to Twin Falls is a 200-mile stretch of road that takes about 3.5 hours to drive. The route passes through the foothills of the Boise Mountains, along the edge of the Snake River Plain, and into the rugged beauty of the Magic Valley. It’s a fast scenic drive in Idaho that offers a rare combination of speed and stunning vistas.^[2]

I’ve driven this route on multiple occasions, and each time, I’m amazed by the sheer variety of landscapes it covers. From the flat, agricultural plains of the Magic Valley to the rugged, mountainous terrain near the border with Nevada, Highway 20 has it all. The road is well-maintained, with minimal traffic, making it one of the best fast scenic drives in Idaho.^[3]

What makes this drive unique is the way it feels like you’re speeding through a painting. The mountains rise dramatically to the east, the sun glints off the lakes to the west, and the road itself seems to wind through the heart of Idaho’s natural beauty. It’s a drive that deserves to be experienced.

👩‍🍳 Tips for Driving Highway 20

Plan your drive for early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting. Pack snacks and water — the drive is long, and there are few stops along the way. Be prepared for sudden changes in elevation and weather.

Part of our Scenic drives guide.

Lake Pend Oreille: Speed Along the Shores of Idaho’s Largest Lake

fast scenic drives in idaho — Fast Scenic Drives In Idaho (step by step) — Step By Step

Lake Pend Oreille, located in northern Idaho, is one of the largest lakes in the United States. The drive along its western shore, from Sandpoint to Coeur d’Alene, is a fast scenic drive in Idaho that takes about 45 minutes and offers some of the most stunning views in the state.^[4]

I remember driving this route on a crisp fall morning, the water reflecting the sky in perfect symmetry. The road hugs the shoreline, offering unobstructed views of the lake and the peaks of the Selkirk Mountains in the distance. It’s a drive that’s both fast and full of natural beauty.

What makes this route special is the way the lake seems to stretch on forever. The road is smooth and well-maintained, with minimal traffic, making it an ideal fast scenic drive in Idaho for anyone who loves both speed and scenery.

Lake Pend Oreille is a mirror to the sky — and the best way to see it is by driving along its shores.

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Sawtooth Scenic Byway: Speed Through One of Idaho’s Most Beautiful Mountain Ranges

The Sawtooth Scenic Byway is a 105-mile drive that takes about 2.5 hours to complete. It winds through the heart of the Sawtooth Mountains, offering some of the most dramatic and breathtaking views in Idaho. It’s a fast scenic drive in Idaho that should not be missed.^[5]

I’ve driven this route multiple times, and each time, I’m amazed by the sheer scale of the mountains. The byway passes through Stanley, a small town that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a postcard. The road is narrow in places, but the views are worth every mile.

This is a fast scenic drive in Idaho that’s not just about the speed of the journey — it’s about the sheer beauty of the landscape. The Sawtooth Mountains rise dramatically from the valley floor, and the road seems to wind through the heart of the range itself.

💡 Tips for the Sawtooth Scenic Byway

The road is narrow in places, so be cautious of oncoming traffic. Bring layers — the temperature can drop quickly at higher elevations. Plan for a full day — this route is best experienced slowly, even if it’s a fast scenic drive in Idaho.

“There’s something about the rhythm of a fast scenic drive in Idaho that hits just right — the way the mountains rise like old friends…”— Prettyroads editors

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Highway 95: A Fast Scenic Drive from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Basin

fast scenic drives in idaho — Fast Scenic Drives In Idaho (the finished result) — The Finished Result

Highway 95 is a major north-south route that runs through Idaho, connecting the Pacific Northwest to the Great Basin. It’s a fast scenic drive in Idaho that offers a unique blend of landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the northern mountains to the arid deserts of the south.

I’ve driven this route on multiple occasions, and each time, I’m amazed by the sheer variety of landscapes it covers. From the forests of the north to the deserts of the south, Highway 95 is a fast scenic drive in Idaho that’s full of surprises.

What makes this route special is the way it connects different regions of the state. It’s a fast scenic drive in Idaho that’s not just about the speed of the journey — it’s about the stories, the people. The landscapes that make up the fabric of the state.

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Highway 12: A Fast Scenic Drive Through the Heart of Idaho’s Red Rock Country

Highway 12 is a 220-mile route that takes about 4 hours to complete. It passes through some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in Idaho, including the red rock formations of the Owyhee Desert and the canyons of the Malheur National Forest. It’s a fast scenic drive in Idaho that should not be missed.

I’ve driven this route multiple times, and each time, I’m amazed by the sheer scale of the landscape. The red rocks, the canyons, and the wide open spaces make this one of the best fast scenic drives in Idaho.

What makes this route special is the way it feels like you’re driving through a different world. The red rocks, the canyons, and the wide open spaces are all part of a unique and breathtaking landscape that makes this one of the best fast scenic drives in Idaho.

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Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive Highway 20 from Boise to Twin Falls?

It takes approximately 3.5 hours to drive Highway 20 from Boise to Twin Falls, covering a distance of about 200 miles.

What’s the best time of day to drive the Sawtooth Scenic Byway?

The best time to drive the Sawtooth Scenic Byway is early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures.

Are there any rest stops along the Lake Pend Oreille route?

There are limited rest stops along the Lake Pend Oreille route, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks and water.

How much does it cost to drive Highway 95 from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Basin?

The cost of driving Highway 95 depends on the distance and fuel prices, but you can expect to spend around $15–$20 in gas for a 200-mile trip.

What’s the best way to experience the red rocks along Highway 12?

The best way to experience the red rocks along Highway 12 is to plan a full day trip, with stops at viewpoints and scenic overlooks along the way.

Can I bring my dog on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway?

Yes, you can bring your dog on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, but be sure to keep them on a leash and follow all local regulations.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Driving too fast on narrow mountain roads.	Driving too fast on narrow mountain roads can be dangerous and increase the risk of accidents.	Slow down, especially on curves and near blind corners.
Not checking the weather before a scenic drive.	Unpredictable weather can make even the best scenic drive dangerous and uncomfortable.	Check the weather forecast before departing and be prepared for sudden changes.
Not bringing enough water or snacks.	Long scenic drives can be tiring, and it’s easy to forget to pack enough food and water.	Pack a cooler with snacks, drinks, and water to stay hydrated and energized.
Ignoring the speed limit on scenic routes.	Speed limits on scenic routes are often lower to ensure safety and preserve the experience for all drivers.	Respect the posted speed limits and drive at a safe, comfortable pace.

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